Keeping Your Browser Updated

Why Updates Matter

Browser updates are one of the most important things you can do for your security. Updates fix vulnerabilities that attackers actively exploit to install malware, steal data, and take over your computer.

What Updates Fix

• Security vulnerabilities: Holes that let attackers run code on your computer
• Zero-day exploits: Newly discovered attacks being used in the wild
• Privacy issues: Ways trackers and attackers can identify or follow you
• Stability bugs: Crashes and performance problems

Security researchers and attackers constantly find new vulnerabilities. The race between discovery and patching never stops.

How Browsers Update

Chrome

Chrome updates automatically in the background. To check or force an update:

1. Click the three-dot menu in the top right
2. Go to Help, then About Google Chrome
3. Chrome will check for and install updates
4. Restart the browser to complete the update

Firefox

Firefox also updates automatically. To check manually:

1. Click the menu button (three lines)
2. Click Help, then About Firefox
3. Firefox will download any available updates
4. Click "Restart to update Firefox"

Edge

Edge updates through Windows Update and its own mechanism:

1. Click the three-dot menu
2. Go to Help and feedback, then About Microsoft Edge
3. Edge will check for updates
4. Restart to apply

Safari

Safari updates through macOS system updates:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences)
2. Click Software Update
3. Install any available updates

Keep Extensions Updated Too

Browser extensions also need updates. Most update automatically, but you can check:

• Chrome: Go to chrome://extensions and enable Developer mode, then click Update
• Firefox: Go to about:addons and click the gear icon, then Check for Updates

Signs Your Browser Might Be Outdated

• Websites display warnings about your browser version
• Some sites do not work correctly
• You see an update notification you have been ignoring
• Your browser version number is much lower than the current release

Do Not Delay Updates

Some people postpone updates because they are busy or worried about changes. This is risky:

• Security patches often fix actively exploited vulnerabilities
• Delaying by even a few days increases your risk
• Most updates take just a minute and a browser restart
• Your tabs will be restored after restarting

Key Takeaways

• Enable automatic updates for your browser
• Restart your browser regularly to apply pending updates
• Do not ignore update notifications
• Keep extensions updated as well
• An outdated browser is a vulnerable browser